The staff of the New york immigration Coalition (NYIC) have achieved a major milestone in their unionization efforts. After nearly two months of contentious negotiations, management agreed to voluntarily recognize the union representing its employees. This development comes after a prolonged struggle marked by legal maneuvers and tense exchanges between workers and management.
The NYIC, a coalition of over 200 immigration advocacy organizations, provides crucial services to immigrant communities across New york state. The organization’s staff, many of whom are immigrants themselves, have been advocating for better working conditions, pay equity, and support for their immigration cases. Their persistence has culminated in this significant victory for labor rights within the immigrant advocacy sector.
Union Recognition Agreement Reached
In a statement released late Thursday, Chester Jesus Soria, a spokesperson for the NYIC, announced that the organization had reached a voluntary recognition agreement with the union representing its staff. This agreement follows a contentious period that began on June 9 when employees, organizing under the name NYIC United and with the support of OPEIU Local 153 delivered a petition signed by 70% of eligible staff. The petition called for management to recognize their union voluntarily.
The recognition agreement includes a provision for a neutral third party to conduct a card check to confirm majority support among the agreed bargaining unit. If confirmed, the union will be certified as the bargaining representative, and contract negotiations will commence. This development is a significant step forward for the 50 eligible staff members who would be represented by the union, with 80% having already signed union cards.
Management’s Initial Resistance and Legal Tactics
The path to union recognition was fraught with challenges. On June 12, management initially indicated openness to recognizing the union but later appeared to backtrack on this promise. By June 30, NYIC management had filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a secret ballot election, a move that would have prolonged the unionization process. Additionally, the organization retained counsel from the law firm Kauff McGuire & Margolis known for representing nonprofits facing contentious union drives.
Workers alleged that management was employing delay tactics to weaken their union efforts. Kaija Groom, a community programming manager at NYIC, stated, “Management is really just trying to weaponize the law and slow down our union process.” This sentiment was echoed by Nick Galipeau, Local 153’s Secretary-Treasurer, who expressed frustration over management’s attempts to exclude certain workers from the bargaining unit, including the entire communications and development teams.
Unfair Labor Practice Charges
In response to management’s actions, the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB, alleging that NYIC management was bargaining in bad faith. Workers claimed that management had walked out of negotiating sessions and refused to engage in productive discussions about the bargaining unit size. Despite these challenges, the union remains confident in its ability to secure a favorable outcome, given the overwhelming support among staff.
Support from Member Organizations
The unionization efforts at NYIC have garnered support from several member organizations, including the Rochester Rapid Response Network and Metro Justice. Carlton Huff, Lead Organizer of Metro Justice, emphasized the importance of supporting NYIC staff in their fight for economic justice, stating, “If we don’t unequivocally support NYIC staff’s fight for economic justice and fairness, how can we expect staff to advocate for economic justice and fairness for others?”
Founded in 1987, the NYIC serves over 2.5 million immigrant New Yorkers and has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights. The organization’s leadership includes members from influential unions such as 32BJ SEIU and the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board. This year, NYIC played a pivotal role in organizing the International Workers’ Day celebration, further highlighting its commitment to labor rights.
As the union and management move forward with the certification process, the staff of NYIC remain hopeful that this milestone will lead to improved working conditions and stronger protections for immigrant workers. The successful unionization of NYIC staff serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights within the immigrant advocacy sector.
